Tuskegee University names new student leadership, crowns queen

4/26/2012

TUSKEGEE, Alabama (April 25, 2012) — The new Tuskegee University student government association officers for 2012-2013 were sworn in during a ceremony at Grey Columns, the university’s presidential residence, on Tuesday.

Outgoing SGA president, Jesica Holley, presided over the ceremony. Before the new leaders were sworn in, she gave an overview of SGA accomplishments and made special presentations.

Tuskegee University President Gilbert L. Rochon administered the oath to the new officers, Miss and Mr. Tuskegee University 2012-2013 and their attendants.

Antonio Minifield, a junior architecture student from Birmingham, Ala., was elected as the 2012-2013 SGA president. Minifield ran on a platform called Y.N.O.T. or Young Noble Outstanding Tuskegee that encourages students to reach out and serve the community.

“It’s about going beyond your potential and doing what you are called to do,” Minifield said.

Kyle Spencer, a sophomore in accounting will serve as vice president. Tyler Keith Morgan, a junior political science major, is the new judicial advisor. Donald Boone-Neal, a junior accounting major has been chosen as treasurer. Rhia Smith, a sophomore in general science education, was named events coordinator. Breanna Warren was appointed as chief of staff for SGA and Brent Craig was appointed as SGA executive secretary.

Regal action

In a royal pageant filled with entertainment and presentations of poise and appearance, Miss Tuskegee University 2011-2012, Breana Watkins, passed on her crown. On April 19 in the Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James Arena, Alexandria Wilson was named Miss Tuskegee University 2012-2013. For the talent portion of the pageant, the Kansas City, Mo. native played a piano selection, “The Black Pearl,” from “The Pirates of the Caribbean” soundtrack.

The junior political science major ran on a platform called, “TIME for Regal Action.” She said her platform seeks to turn the image of Miss Tuskegee University into one focused on action and service to the university. During her reign, she would like to increase the amount of student arts programs and promote financial literacy among students.

“Incoming freshmen, even graduating seniors need to know certain financial things. I want to do a series of forums just to make sure everyone can handle themselves when they graduate,” Wilson said.

Elise Tolbert, a junior environmental science major, was named first attendant. And Taylor Leonard, a junior electrical engineering major, will serve as second attendant.

In an earlier pageant and election, Christopher S. Dickerson, a junior chemical engineering major from Huntsville, Ala. was named Mr. Tuskegee University 2012-2013. Lorenzo Wells, a junior in business administration and finance will serve as first gentleman. Tremain Jones, also a business administration and finance major, was named second gentleman.

Front row: Tuskegee University First Lady Patricia Saul Rochon and Tuskegee University President Gilbert L. Rochon pose with the 2012-2013 Student Government Association members. Antonio Minifield was elected as the SGA president. Kyle Spencer will serve as vice president. Tyler Keith Morgan is the new judicial advisor. Donald Boone-Neal has been chosen as treasurer. Rhia Smith was named events coordinator. Breanna Warren was appointed as chief of staff for SGA and Brent Craig was appointed as SGA executive secretary.